The rise of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated art has created a stir across various industries, and while some have highlighted concerns around copyright infringement issues involving AI-generated art, not all artists are against the fusion of AI and their intellectual property.
One such artist is Canadian musician and producer Grimes. In a recent tweet, she announced that she would treat AI creators using her voice the same as other artists she collaborates with. Grimes wrote that she would want to “split 50% royalties on any successful AI-generated song” that uses her voice.
Grimes has no label and, therefore, “no bindings” to any major entity in the music industry that could cause intellectual property rights issues. The artist continued to say that she finds it “cool to be fused with a machine” and that she is in favor of open-sourcing art, ultimately “killing copyright.”
Grimes mentioned that she is “curious” about what creators can do with the technology and is “interested in being a Guinea pig.” In the initial tweet, Grimes posted an article on the recent outcry surrounding AI-generated tracks of Drake and the Weekend, which have been floating around the internet.
However, not everyone is on board with the idea of AI-generated art. On April 13, music industry giant Universal Music Group sent an email to all major streaming services to block AI from accessing its catalogs for learning purposes. The company said it won’t hesitate to do what is necessary to protect its rights and those of the artists it represents.
Despite the concerns, Grimes believes that the fusion of AI and music is the future. In a separate statement, she revealed that she is creating a voice simulation program along with a team of developers, which will be made publicly available. She sees the potential for AI-generated music to lead to new and exciting sounds that were previously impossible to create.
However, AI-generated deep fakes utilizing images and voices of individuals are already causing major headaches and ethical concerns. Recently, a German tabloid used AI to generate a fake interview with the former Formula One driver Michael Schumacher. Concerns are even circulating within the companies producing the technology, after reports revealed Google employees’ worries over its forthcoming AI-chatbot.
The debate around AI-generated art and the implications it has for copyright and intellectual property is ongoing. While some are hesitant about its implications, others, like Grimes, are excited about the possibilities and are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this emerging technology.